Recovering from ankle surgery requires patience and proper care to ensure the best outcome. After the procedure, it is important to follow your podiatrist’s instructions closely to prevent complications and promote healing. In the first few days, rest is vital, and the foot should be elevated to reduce swelling. Ice can also help manage swelling and pain. Depending on the surgery, a cast or boot may be prescribed to immobilize the ankle and support the healing process. Specific stretches and exercises are often recommended once the initial healing phase is over, helping to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility. Full recovery can take several months to a year, depending on the severity of the injury and intricacy of the surgery. Throughout the recovery process, avoiding weight-bearing activities and carefully performing rehabilitation exercises are key to ensuring the ankle heals properly and that normal function is restored. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can discuss whether ankle surgery is right for you.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the United States, offers an excellent way for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, to stay active while managing their condition. Unlike tennis or badminton, pickleball’s smaller court and slower pace make it easier on the joints, while still providing a fun, competitive workout. Regular movement is essential for people with RA, as it helps maintain joint flexibility, reduce stiffness, and improve overall mobility. Pairing pickleball with a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet supports joint health and boosts energy levels, enhancing your ability to play. Proper preparation, including warming up and wearing supportive footwear, is important to avoid strain on affected joints. If you are a pickleball player with rheumatoid arthritis, and if foot pain or joint discomfort becomes an issue, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for personalized care.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Neuropathy in the feet occurs when the nerves in the feet are damaged, leading to a variety of symptoms. Common signs include numbness, tingling, a burning sensation, and sharp pain in the feet. People with neuropathy may also experience weakness, difficulty walking, and a lack of coordination due to reduced sensation. To find relief, regular walking can help improve circulation and strengthen the feet, which may reduce symptoms. Soaking the feet in warm water with Epsom salt can soothe discomfort and ease muscle tension. Additionally, reducing alcohol consumption is helpful, as excessive drinking can worsen nerve damage and increase pain. Managing underlying conditions, such as diabetes, through proper care and medication, can also significantly help control neuropathy symptoms. If you are suffering from neuropathy in the feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for help.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with one of our podiatrists from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Cracked heels are a common foot condition where the skin around the heel becomes dry, thickened, and eventually cracks. These cracks can be painful and may lead to infection if left untreated. The primary causes of cracked heels include dry skin, standing for long periods, and wearing open-back shoes that expose the heels to the elements. Other factors like obesity, diabetes, or vitamin deficiencies can also contribute. To avoid cracked heels, it is essential to keep your feet moisturized by regularly applying a rich foot cream. Wearing shoes with proper support that protects the heels from external exposure is also important. Avoiding long periods of standing and using a pumice stone or foot scrub to remove dead skin can prevent the buildup that leads to cracks. If you have developed cracked heels, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer you effective treatment remedies, which often include prescribed medication.

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Diabetic foot ulcers pose a severe health threat, often triggered by peripheral neuropathy, which diminishes sensation and allows unnoticed injuries to progress. Compromised blood flow, a hallmark of diabetes, further delays healing and heightens infection risk. These ulcers are evaluated using detailed grading systems, guiding interventions such as surgical debridement to excise diseased tissue, advanced wound dressings to optimize healing, and off-loading techniques to alleviate pain. Infection control is of utmost importance, along with meticulous glycemic regulation to curb inflammation and promote recovery. Surgical intervention, including reconstruction or amputation, may become necessary in extreme cases. Prevention remains key to the management of diabetic foot ulcers. If you are diabetic, it is strongly suggested that you include a podiatrist on your healthcare team who can teach you about vigilant foot care, provide routine monitoring, and care for any foot problems before more severe complications arise.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with one of our podiatrists from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Ankle impingement is a painful condition where soft tissues or bony structures in the ankle become pinched, often following repetitive activities or past injuries like sprains. Ankle impingement can be categorized as anterior or posterior impingement, depending on the location of the pain. Anterior impingement is commonly seen in runners and athletes who frequently bend the ankle upward. This action causes pain in the front of the ankle, particularly during cutting or pivoting motions. Posterior impingement affects the back of the ankle. It is often experienced by dancers and athletes who repeatedly point their toes downward. Symptoms include swelling, reduced range of motion, and discomfort with specific movements. A podiatrist can diagnose ankle impingement through an examination and use X-rays or MRI scans to identify the cause and location of the pain. Treatment options include targeted exercises, orthotics, injections to reduce pain, and in some cases, surgery to restore ankle function. If you are suffering from ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition involving the thickening of tissue around a nerve leading to the toes, most commonly affecting the area between the third and fourth toes. It often feels like standing on a pebble or experiencing a burning, tingling pain in the ball of the foot. Causes include repetitive stress or compression, commonly from wearing tight or high-heeled shoes. High-impact activities, flat feet, and bunions also increase the risk of developing Morton’s neuroma. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, imaging, and recreating symptoms through pressure on the affected area. Treatments range from footwear modifications, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications to more invasive options like corticosteroid injections or, in severe cases, surgery. The outlook is generally positive with proper management, and prevention focuses on wearing supportive, well-fitted shoes and avoiding prolonged foot stress. If you have symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can provide a tailored treatment plan for relief.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that affects the nail bed, often starting as a white or yellow spot under the nail. Over time, it can cause nails to thicken, discolor, crumble, or become misshapen, leading to discomfort, and, in some cases, pain. Toenail fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, making athletes, individuals who sweat heavily, and those who wear tight or non-breathable shoes more susceptible. Poor foot hygiene and minor nail injuries also increase risk. Treating toenail fungus can be challenging, as the infection tends to be persistent. For more stubborn infections, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who may prescribe oral antifungal medications or laser therapy to target the fungus.

For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of DeCaro Total Foot Care Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especially hard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.

Antifungals & Deterrence

Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.

Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.

Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in West Hatfield, MA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.